Book Drive Benefits Area Youth

The Community Affairs Committee of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Children’s Book Drive through Friday, April 12, 2013. Area businesses will serve as collection points for children’s books appropriate for young readers through grade six. Books can also be donated at chamber events. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by dropping books off at designated collection points. “Every child should have books they call their own,” reminds Karen Brown, co-coordinator of the Chamber’s Book Drive. “I know our business community is ready to help.”

This annual book drive has provided many books for children in the Fairfax County Public School system who otherwise may not have had their own to enjoy. “Reading research has proven that children who have access to books and read on a consistent basis fare better in school and are better readers overall,” said Tina Simons, reading specialist at Saratoga elementary. “That’s really hard to do when books are scarce.”

The children’s book drive continues to grow. In 2011, 19 chamber member businesses volunteered as collection points. In 2012, that number rose to 24, and this year, there are 31 participating businesses. New and gently used children’s books may be dropped off at participating locations through April 12. Chamber volunteers will pick up collected books as donation boxes fill and prepare them for distribution to young residents in the Greater Springfield community. Book drive hosts include: